How to Use Essential Oils At HomeEssential Oils are an incredible, healthy option to so many of the chemicals we put into our bodies every day.
There are three major ways I've used essential oils, which are widely-held as best practices for using therapeutic grade essential oils. 1. Diffused 2. Used Topically 3. Ingested (Although, I wouldn't recommend diving into this until you've had more experience with the other two modalities.) I use Young Living Oils exclusively, so all of the information posted below pertains to my experiences and knowledge limited to that particular brand of EOs. I choose to use Young Living because they are the most high-quality essential oils, and Young Living oversees the production of their own essential oils from "seed to seal." No other company owns their own farms and has this type of quality control. |
How to Use Essential Oils
Diffusing Essential Oils
See below for other popular uses indicated for Young Living Essential Oils. Remember, everything I have written below applies exclusively to this brand because I have the most experience with using it.
- Safety First --Each person is different, and it is possible to experience allergies to essential oils, just as plants. Use a small amount at first (1-2 drops) and gradually increase if you need to. Always skin test an essential oil before you use it topically.
Diffusing Essential Oils
- Selecting a Diffuser -- Always use a cold-air diffuser (atomizing diffuser) to diffuse essential oils in your home. These dispense the oils without heating or burning, which can change the chemical compounds in the oils and even render them useless or (in rare cases) toxic. These diffusers will atomize a microfine mist of essential oils into the air. They will remain in the air for several hours (4-6 usually)
- Adding Essential Oils to your Diffuser -- Ease into it. Start out with one or two drops per cup of water. As you and your family become used to the oils, and as you determine which oils work for your family. Also, start out with just one oil so you can experience its effects fully. As you become more experienced, you can mix oils in your diffuser as you need or want to (it is advisable not to use more than one blend at a time).
- Diffusing Time -- Start Diffusing for 10-15 minutes at a time, knowing that the particles will stay in the air much longer. After you become accustomed to the oils and their effects, you can diffuse for 1-2 hours or longer. Placing the diffuser up higher (on a shelf or a table top) will disperse the particles more completely in the room.
- Choosing a Diffuser -- Budget is key. I love the Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser by Young Living. I have two, one in the family room and one in the bedroom. They have peaceful music and I use it every night to go to sleep. Other Young Living Diffusers (the orb diffuser, the home diffuser, and the bamboo diffuser) work really well too, although the Aria is still my favorite. You can find atomizing diffusers at most whole foods markets in the essential oil aisle.
See below for other popular uses indicated for Young Living Essential Oils. Remember, everything I have written below applies exclusively to this brand because I have the most experience with using it.
Direct Inhalation
In addition to diffusing is a fairly obvious method (to me, at least), direct inhalation. Because the oils have immense aromatherapeutic properties, inhaling them can be amazingly beneficial.
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Using Essential Oils Topically
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Ingesting Essential Oils
Although this method is not very common, some YL oils can be safely ingested. Please conduct research before using them this way.
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